I can always feel a smile creep across my face when newbies to the Alabama beaches remark about how beautiful the beaches are. I think it’s partly because I know it’s true and partly because it’s nice to hear others reaffirm what long-time visitors and locals already know.
Sugar-white, sandy beaches that are well-kept and gently washed with turquoise-kissed Gulf of Mexico waters is something we probably take for granted. But when visitors ask, it’s reminiscent of walking through the years with Alabama’s beaches, explaining why we visit over and over with the same prideful voice as a brand-new mom.
The Gulf Shores Museum is a wealth of Alabama beach history demonstrated through exhibits in an inviting atmosphere. There is also a butterfly garden and a popular summer youth program. Admission is free and it’s a great start to learning about the area. Originally constructed on West Beach as the family beach house for Mobile’s Valerie Cole, the house was moved to Gulf Shores in 1979 following Hurricane Frederic. Later the Cole family donated the home to the city where it’s been in use since 1982 as a library first, and then as a youth center before becoming Gulf Shores Museum. The land it sits on was donated, as well as the steeple that sits in the garden, further demonstrating the generosity of this community.
Tourism developed into the main industry over the years following the completion of the Intracoastal Waterway, and in 1993, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism was created to help promote the gorgeous destination. Today, vacationers visit the area to enjoy some of the most gorgeous beaches in the United States – and, I would argue, in the world! Charter fishing and boating are still a highlight for locals and visitors in Orange Beach, along with water recreation. Restaurants are plentiful, offering fresh seafood catches in farm-to-table venues that are mostly casual and serve the entire family. Several notable restaurants in the area have been around for over 60 years!
I grew up with Alabama Beaches, and nostalgia always pulls at my heartstrings when I revisit. From humble beginnings to a thriving tourism mecca, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer world-class beaches that my family adores. Explore the area, experience exciting attractions, stay in amazing accommodations, and taste the culinary delights. Your walk through the years with Alabama’s beaches may only be beginning, and that’s ok. You’ll be back… again and again.